A good night’s sleep can make all the difference. Restful sleep is a vital part of the health and healing process. People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea can have a 300 percent increase in stress hormones, and the negative effects of insulin resistance, diabetes, and other related conditions can increase significantly as a result. When sleeping disorders are treated correctly, however, a good night’s rest can reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke by 50 percent. Sleep can also increase the efficiency of your heart by an average of 33 percent.

Some common sleeping disorder symptoms include:

Loud and chronic snoring

Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep

Long pauses in breathing

Daytime sleepiness, no matter how much time you spend in bed

Gunnison Valley Hospital’s Sleep Center offers comprehensive sleep study programs, overseen by Tom V. Cloward, MD and James M. Walker, Ph.D. Consult your physician to schedule an appointment if you think you may be suffering from a sleep disorder. For more information, please call Kay C. Caldwell at 435-528-2123.